2570 Jesus Christ, suffering of
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  2000 Jesus Christ  »  2500 Jesus Christ, history of  »  2505 Jesus Christ, ascension of  »  2570 Jesus Christ, suffering of

Jesus Christ's life was characterised by suffering, though the worst experiences were reserved for his final days. His sufferings are both redemptive and an example to believers.

Jesus Christ's sufferings foretold

In the OT

Psalm 22:6-8,16-18; Isaiah 50:6; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Zechariah 9:9-10; Zechariah 12:10; Zechariah 13:7; 1 Peter 1:11

In Jesus Christ's predictions

Matthew 16:21 pp Mark 8:31 pp Luke 9:22 See also Matthew 20:17-19 pp Mark 10:32-34 pp Luke 18:31-32; John 12:32-33

Jesus Christ's suffering during his lifetime

As a child

Matthew 2:13-15

Because of his family

Mark 3:20-21 See also John 7:3-5

Because of the crowds' unbelief

Mark 9:19 pp Matthew 17:17 pp Luke 9:41 See also Matthew 12:39 pp Luke 11:29; Mark 8:11-12

Because of the disciples' slowness

Mark 8:17-21 pp Matthew 16:8-11

Because of the religious leaders

Matthew 12:14 pp Mark 3:6 pp Luke 6:11 See also John 5:18; John 7:1; John 8:48

Because of human suffering

Luke 19:41 See also Mark 7:34; Luke 7:13; John 11:33-35

Jesus Christ's suffering at the time of his death

He was inwardly troubled

John 12:27 See also Matthew 26:36-42 pp Mark 14:32-39 pp Luke 22:40-44; John 13:21

He was betrayed

Matthew 26:21-25 pp Mark 14:17-21 pp Luke 22:21-23; Matthew 26:47-49 pp Mark 14:43-45 pp Luke 22:47-48 pp John 18:2-5; John 13:18-30

He was humiliated

Matthew 27:27-30 pp Mark 15:16-19 See also Matthew 26:67-68 pp Mark 14:65 pp Luke 22:63-65; Matthew 27:26 pp Mark 15:15 pp Luke 23:22; Luke 23:11; John 18:22; John 19:1

He was crucified

Luke 23:33 pp Matthew 27:35 pp Mark 15:25 pp John 19:18

He suffered separation from God

Matthew 27:46 pp Mark 15:34 pp Luke 23:46 See also Psalm 22:1

Jesus Christ's attitude to his suffering

He did not retaliate in his suffering

1 Peter 2:23 See also Matthew 27:12-14 pp Mark 15:3-5; Luke 23:34

He grew through the experience of suffering

Hebrews 5:8 See also Hebrews 2:10

Jesus Christ's sufferings were necessary for salvation

Luke 24:26-27 See also Luke 24:46-47; Acts 3:18; Acts 17:3; Acts 26:23

Jesus Christ suffered as a unique sacrifice

Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 9:25-26

The Christian experience of suffering

Believers share in Jesus Christ's sufferings

2 Corinthians 1:5 See also Matthew 25:34-40; Acts 9:4-5 pp Acts 22:7-8 pp Acts 26:15; Romans 8:17; Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:13

Jesus Christ's sufferings are an example for believers

1 Peter 2:21 See also John 16:18-20; Philippians 2:5-7

See also

1135  God, suffering of
2015  Christ, compassion
2033  Christ, humanity
2327  Christ as servant
2339  Christ, example of
2525  Christ, cross of
2545  Christ, opposition to
5564  suffering of Christ
5879  humiliation
6230  rejection



Top of Page
Top of Page






Topical Bible

Bible Hub